Updated version which is also carried in MalaysianInsider (click here)
DEC 12 — In September 2008, the Umno supreme council decided to suspend Ahmad Ismail for three years for uttering racist remarks. Many people had in fact asked that the ISA be used against him, but as an ISA opponent myself, I was against practising double standards, and I thought he should not be held under the ISA but should instead face the other existing laws of the country.
Politically, his antics in fanning the emotions of his members resulting in the pulling down and stamping on the photo of a head of a component party (Gerakan) were inexcusable, and the least Umno could have done is to expel him. A three-year suspension of party membership, without any legal actions taken against him, was grossly inadequate in the minds of many.
Recently, his suspension was lifted, after not even half way through this three-year sentence.
A top leader of Gerakan was quoted, according to a report in Malaysiakini’s Chinese website, as asking reporters when pressed about the lifting of Ahmad’s suspension: “Is this issue important?”
At the same time, a top Penang Gerakan leader was quoted as asking reporters: “What position is Ahmad occupying in Umno?”, implying that since Ahmad is not among top leaders of Umno, he need not answer their questions.
Whether they are right or not, I leave it to you to ponder.
I would only say that in this issue, a few considerations are in order:
Firstly, anything or anyone who stirs racial emotion in a multiracial society is serious and important matter. Anyone doing so, just like anyone committing any crime big or small, must answer to the laws of the country no matter how high or low his position is in society. Under the law, every man is supposed to be equal.
Secondly, politics is about perception. If you are perceived to not even be able to stand up to a second-tier leader of the dominant party, then what would the people think of you and what would the voters think of you? Especially when this bully has uttered racially sensitive words that have hurt the feelings not only of a person but of an entire ethnic group?
Thirdly, to a political party, support from the people is everything. That is why it is important to fight for the interest of the people and with that, support shall come naturally. But what will happen when you are perceived to not even be able to stand up to a person who has uttered words that hurt the very people who form your support base?
Lastly, as a result of the third consideration, how are the candidates from this party who have been so belittled going to face the voters come the next general election?
Without the support of the people and the voters, any political party will become irrelevant, and if this party becomes irrelevant, logic and past experience will tell us that the dominant party, Umno, will just chuck the party aside, no matter how subservient and how obedient this party is to Umno.
In politics, it is not about how subservient you are, but rather how useful you are to the dominant party. If you are of no more use (meaning, you no longer enjoy the support of the people), then no matter how diligent or obedient you are, you will be irrelevant.
The experience of PPP is a glaring example. This is a party which used to dominate the whole Kinta Valley, and had four MPs when it joined Barisan Nasional in 1974. What has become of it now? It has lost its relevance and hence it can only take the crumbs or leftovers at the pleasure of the master.
In Ahmad’s case, it is not about how insignificant his party position is, but rather the principle of double standards being practised.
Why is he not being investigated and charged under the laws of the country and merely made to face disciplinary action of Umno? Why aren’t the feelings of the people taken into considerations as in the case of Chin Peng, who has not been allowed to come back because of the “feelings of a certain segment of the people who have suffered from his action”?
Isn’t racism as dangerous as communism?
Dr. Hsu's forum 
Dec 11, 2009 @ 16:52:17
Gerakan is just a joke now.
2 days ago, Lim Keng Yaik in Malaysiakini say all gerakan members must speak out against Ketuanan Melayu.
But when ahmad ismail released, LKY just keep quite. His son, who is national youth chief, also keep quite.
When he is a minister last time, also he keep quite.
Obviously, Koh Tsu Koon who LKY pick to be president, also now keep quite.
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Dec 11, 2009 @ 18:19:10
Well said. If you add it up, it means Gerakan is of no use to UMNO. It is of no use to the rakyat. Heck, it is of no use even to itself.
What do you do to a piece of useless stone?
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Dec 11, 2009 @ 21:55:49
has gerakan lost it ball bearing, am amazed the stomping the stampede gerakan stooges can take it….we were having happy hours just awhile ago,,question of the day? how would u describe gerakan ?
boneless, spineless, disgrace? koh is pussy licking cos he has his balls squeeze..one said, gerakan bark at anything..signboard, challenge debates..handling protest ? when come to their own ?
he just chicken out!
leave the not so nice words out…
gerakan better close shop dont be a dsigrace to chinese…
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Dec 11, 2009 @ 22:02:54
gerakan in penang, especially those youth talk so much. But when come to this Ahmad Ismail, all chicken out.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 10:11:08
Gerakan has lost its bearings and forsaken its values. I cannot vote for it anymore under its present leadership. The infection has gone too deep. It is just another BN stooge.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 11:26:55
Gerakan is just a pawn in BN’s game. Damn…., not even a ‘horse’ to them. muahahaha….
Ahmad’s feeling is more important to them than all of Gelakan’s combined.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 11:32:28
Gelakan is just like another dog to be kicked when feel like. It is a captive animal. It eyes are dim and its will broken. Its life force is slowly seeping away. It is a defeated animal. It only hope of freedom is death.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 11:47:43
Bravo! Doc. This is a direct hit at KTK and THN quoted in Malaysiakini Chinese site.
Expect disciplinary action soon. These people are very brave dealing with internet criticism but coward when dealing outside. Your public rebuke, even though no names are named, will not be forgiven.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 12:10:27
If anyone’s feathers are ruffled, it is totally unintentional.
My style, as always, is towards issues and not person.
Whatever will come will come. Just let it be.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 12:24:26
Doc,
Looks like you need another break ;). The last break did nothing to invigorate you in terms of ‘thinking outside the square’ as persisting with the medicine but expecting different results is delusional.
Am I right or am I right??
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 12:28:51
Taikohtai
That is why I am still in Malaysia when there were so many openings for me to stay out.. 🙂
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 13:52:42
Dr hsu,
The biggest problem for Penang Gerakan is there is no leader to lead them. People like Teng Hock Nan…..you call that a leader? Penang people just see him as someone rejected by Penang already.
Chia Kwang Chye is also seen as rejected and cannot lead. Teng Chang Yeow also the same n look like a lap dog of Koh Tsu Koon.
The penang youth is the same level. Burning photos, talking non-sense, complaining on small issues…..those are garbage leaders.
With the Ahmad Ismail issue exploding like a bomb, there is no chance now for gerakan to capture back Penang……..even in 30 yrs time.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 13:55:22
The only person that may have stand a chance in Penang is Lee Kah Choon. But he was forced out by Koh Tsu Koon.
Gerakan leaders will chop out good leaders.
I am from Penang and I can tell you that don’t mention the name Gerakan in the street. The name is so bad now compare to last General Election.
All because of the present leaders in penang (including KTK is making thing worse).
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 13:57:13
I won’t be surprise is KTK may take action against Dr Hsu.
Best if someone in Gerakan can start a call for an EGM to remove KTK and have a new sets of leaders. That is the only hope for gerakan to start fresh.
The name Koh Tsu Koon is so bad that it brings down Gerakan with him.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 14:12:30
Doc,
What happen to MCA? OTK, CSL, LTL and other other MCA pussy cats are they a champion for themselves or the Chinese/Malaysian community as a whole.
Has MCA totally died in Penang? or do they come alive on small issues only. Or are they taking care of their back-sides on PKFZ, party infighting to be bothered on important issues.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 14:52:55
GHT
ALmost all parties are in turmoil, the only difference is that some shows up like MCA, and some have strong undercurrents like Gerakan, and even in UMNO there is a tussle between the liberal and the conservatives, meaning the doves and the hawks..
MM is behind the hawks who want to go back to the dictatorial ways of the 80s and 90s. Surprisingly, the big mouth minister (lawyer) is with the doves..
MCA fight unfortuntely involves personalities involved in the biggest Malaysian scandal, and big forces are behind the brutuses, who if they win will probably cover up the whole scandals, leaving a few sacrificial lambs to be tried ( 3 already being tried).
Unfortunately, OTK is not strong enough himself, even most of the CHinese community leaders were behind him initially.. I say initially because the support is weakening as the fight prolongs, and as the sacrificial lambs are being hauled up..
The man to watch in MCA is the DVD actor, who is now the most powerful person and controlling all the shots. He may not want to go for the presidency but that is not important, he will control all the positions inside the party and outside in the cabinets… paving the way for his…you know who… no need to draw intestines when drawing figures.
And in the opposition camp, all is not well in PKR and PAS, strong undercurrents there.. The rocket is perhaps the most stable, but even then, there are some grumblings too.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 15:24:45
Well, if DS N. wants to let this joker off, then DS N. can kiss his 1Malaysia “GoodBye”.
Be strong DS N. show you walk the talk don’t be “NATO”.
Kick the DKK and all other ultras out “UNNO”.
Berjuang unto RAJA dan Negara.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 16:17:18
Unlike in western societies, where poticial parties share almost similar aspirations for their country, here in Malaysia, our major political parties see it fit to advance only their own kind. As we approach another new year, it is truly sad to see that we, as a country, are still as divided as we were in 1957 if not worse.
As a nation, Malaysia is on a course of self destruction and while I agree with most things said by RPK, I completely disagree with him saying that the non-Malays are the king-makers.
Whether Malaysia survives as a prosperous nation, or join the ranks of third world countries, is ENTIRELY in the hands of the Malays. No other race will change the destiny of Malaysia if the Malays do not want it.
To my mind, non-Malays are given their positions in government and cabinet NOT to appease their respective ethnic supporters but to appease the rest of the democratic world. Given half the chance, I can assure you the Malays will not allow any other race in civil service, armed forces, police, or cabinet. They can’t do it only because there is such body called UN.
MCA, MIC, and whatever other parties that currently make up our cabinet, honestly, all these do not even need to exist. UMNO is really THE government. The person who still believes in the so-called “status quo” is a fool.
If the Malays continue to stand by their Ketuanan Melayu and Tanah Melayu mindset, there is really no hope, economically, for the country and the minorities might as well accept this reality.
Malays are not known EVER as an industrious race. (editor: some sentences deleted as they amount to racial profiling which is against the policy of this blog, sorry for that) Of course, to be fair there are indeed Malays who are of the 21 century but because of almost 40 years of harmful indoctrination by Mahathir, most are quite content to live in the 17th century.
So, as to your view that, “Isn’t racism is as dangerous as communism?”, my answer is, yes, I completely agree with your view. But having said that, I hasten to add that this is one battle that the non-Malays will never win. Like I said before, the destiny of Malaysia is in the hands of the Malays.
If they do not wish to admit you, it is time to leave.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 16:30:19
Grerakan (whether under KTK or not) should evaluate if it wants to remain in the coalition if the dominant partner regards appeasing a warlord is more important than respecting its component members.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 19:14:44
Dr. Hsu. OTK do not have the skills to overcome the enemies in MCA. The DVD actor is much better equipped. It actually does not matter what his end game is, as long as he use his skills to put down the Brutuses and their backers outside. This has been said many times before, “It does not matter whether it is a black cat or white cat, as long as it catches the mice”.
If and when, the police catches Chan Koon Choy and burung Tiong, the Brutuses will be finding holes to hide.
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Dec 12, 2009 @ 22:35:18
Dr Hsu,
the name Koh Tsu Koon and Lim Keng Yaik smells like rotten fish.
They will go down in history as the two buggers who destroyed Gerakan
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Dec 13, 2009 @ 01:03:39
StraightTalking,
We all know damages had been severely inflicted during someone’s rule, but certain points regarding our fellow Malaysians may not be fair, as far as I am concerned.
To say that future of Malaysia is depending on certain group of Malaysians here is not true as I believe all Malaysians are “King Maker” and not only depend on certain group of Malaysians as per you and RPK.
In fact, all Malaysian’s mindsets had somehow “indoctrinated” during that one man’s rule to the extent of many of us become “Kiasi” to go for political change. You won’t be surprised to know that these “Kiasi” Malaysians have this mentality of “so long as I can cari makan for a meal per day, I am ok”.
It is a bit extreme for you to point to certain group of Malaysians this and that as we can see many of them come out to testify the ill motive of BTN and not from the “Kiasi” Malaysians.
You are intelligent to read what I mean by certain group and “Kiasi” Malaysians instead of specifying according to each of our original race, as, so far as I am concerned, we are indoctrinated to think we are this race and that race.
It is time we throw away this part of our indoctrinated mindsets and be Malaysian King Makers next GE.
Can we agree on this?
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Dec 13, 2009 @ 05:12:30
A true Malaysian,
You have probably misunderstood my statement when I said that only the Malays can change the destiny of the nation. Demographically, this is a fact and we cannot negotiate this any other way.
While the rest of Malaysia may want to change the government, it cannot be possible without the Malays wanting to change.
By all means, say, do and think like a Malaysian, but we cannot escape the fact that a major segment of Malaysians do not feel the way you and I do.
I can see that you are still holding out hope that somehow, another tidal wave will happen in the next GE and we can celebrate the “rebirth” of our country. I completely agree that the possibility is real.
However, many recent and past events seen and statements made by politicians on both sides of the divide have reinforced the reality that unless the Malays are prepared to say, do and think like a Malaysian instead of identifying themselves as a race separate from the rest, the hope that you and I cherish will forever remain a hope.
We may have a new government after the next GE, but the government will still be of the Malays, by the Malays and for the Malays. Not Malaysians.
I do not believe in stereotyping or “profiling” any particular race as there will always be the weak and the strong among us all regardless of race.
But the sad truth is, while most non-Malays are beginning to identy themselves as Malaysians, our Malay comrades continue to choose to see themselves as Malays, different from the rest.
The true Malaysian will be born the day when the Malays embrace the rest as one and the same, everyone sharing the same path to failure or success, sharing the same path to poverty or wealth.
The destiny of Malaysia IS in the hands of the Malays, not with you or me.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.
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Dec 13, 2009 @ 09:52:19
StraightTalking,
You commented
“I can see that you are still holding out hope that somehow, another tidal wave will happen in the next GE and we can celebrate the “rebirth” of our country. I completely agree that the possibility is real.”
That is good enough at the present moment, no if, no but, no however and so on. Let’s do it together.
As a Malaysian, and being a “true” one, I have no qualm which group of Malaysians lead the country so long as in their minds and hearts, they have all Malaysians’ interest in them, emphasis on meritocracy, transparency and accountability.
Sad to say, many of us still have our mentality “indoctrinated” that Malay helps Malay, Chinese helps Chinese, Indian helps Indian and so on. Worse still, religions play in as well which resulting in things becoming more complex than they should be. That is why I always say, let’s discard this mentality of ours if we want to get rid of the racist government, so that race and religion will not be a tool for them to us in politics.
I can see such qualities, i.e, multiracial, meritocracy, transparency and accountability mindset in Pakatan Rakyat people. Perhaps some of them, who I do not want to name the obvious, are still with racist mindset of Umno / BN (intentionally or otherwise, they know themselves better), such racists will be out for good next GE.
If we keep having this if, but, however etc etc, we will remain status quo, we won’t move at all but going backward to the direction of 3rd world countries.
It is easier said that we can migrated elsewhere but frankly, how many of us can do so? Migration is only a short term solution. The more migration, the racists are happier. Why make them happy? Agree?
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Dec 13, 2009 @ 10:34:39
Not only Ahmad Ismail has regained his political power in his Umno Division, he has also repossessed the franchise of PORR from the ex-PM family, the 4th floor boy in the past!
KTK finds it not important for that issue of reinstatement of Ahmad Ismail. Of course, he will find it not as important as his back door Ministerial position he has to maintain by preventing another Umno goon to strip his masquerade of being a useless and redundant Minister, thus, to avoid pricking into the past wound is the safest way to save all the trouble! Afterall, to this type of useless leader, like a sissy, having less problem means he will have more time to hob nob with his Umno master, including the goons, so as good riddance in his self-seeking political career!
KTK has never put the Chinese society and their feelings into his pea brain but only his personal bon voyage in politics, and a back door Minister is sufficient to satisfy his urge!
Look at how his boys joint rank with the umno lackeys and trampled on a Chinese CM’s portrait, they are belittling the whole dignity and culture of the Chinese and doom themselves to be as uncivilized and barbarous as the Afghans or the Talibans!
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Dec 13, 2009 @ 16:11:53
A True Malaysian,
I can see that you and I share the same hope and vision – “Drop this racist policy and Malaysia will rise again”. This racist policy is there only because the Malays, the common folks, do not want to drop it as they still have this “Ketuanan Melayu” mindset. The only way to remove this mindset is the Malays themselves. Given the disastrous results of MCA and MIC in 2008 it is already very clear that the “rest” are quite poised for change. That “change” can only be complete when the Malays begin to see that the “rest” are, underneath their skin color, actually bumiputras just like them.
I’d like to share with you a commentary I did on another blog a while ago. Here it is.
Let’s do a reality check on the up-side and down- side of this Ketuanan Melayu policy.
Plan A
To continue the KM policy, these are the potentially negative outcome:
• Fair-minded Malays who do not believe in this are leaving the country.
• Non-Malays are fleeing the country in the knowledge that they are no longer treated as equals.
• Funds and skills depletes as a result of the human resource exodus.
• Existing foreign investors are nervous about the political instability that might potentially plunge the country into civil war and contemplates relocating their businesses.
• Existing local investors, especially non-Malays, see a similar threat.
• Potential FDIs see a similar threat and drops Malaysia as their investment priority.
• Quality of education continues to decline due to selective admissions to university.
• Quality of business management continues to decline due to selective appointments.
• As the economy continues to stagnate, more and more Malays depend on the government for employment and survival.
• Civil service keeps on ballooning burdening government expenditure to critical levels.
• Corruption increases due to weak disposable income.
• A weakening ringgit affects importers as they are paying more, while exporters are receiving less.
• No workable economic master plan to regain confidence of both local and foreigner investors.
Plan B
To scrap the KM policy, these are the potentially positive outcomes:
• Malaysians will come together in unison to reclaim our fearsome reputation as the “Asian Tiger”.
• Those living, studying, or working abroad will return to help rebuild the economy.
• Funds and skills return to strengthen our global competitiveness.
• Existing foreign investors gain confidence and continue to invest further due to political stability.
• Local investors repatriate their foreign investments back to Malaysia.
• Potential FDIs see Malaysia as a viable choice.
• Quality of education improves as only the best are admitted. Foreign enrolments increase as we become known for excellence.
• Quality of business management improves as only the best are employed.
• The economy recovers, and less Malays are dependent on the government for employment.
• Civil service manpower declines as more and better paid jobs are available in the private sector.
• Corruption declines due to high disposable income.
• A strong ringgit benefits importers while exporters receive more value for their products.
• A dynamic master plan achieves the full potential of the country’s natural, financial as well as human resources.
Pick your choice Malaysia
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Dec 13, 2009 @ 17:33:56
Dear StraightTakling,
It’s unfair to tar all Malays with the same brush that do not want to give up Ketuanan Melayu. A significant portion of Malays are already enlightened and this made 308 possible.
If the majority of the Malays vote for BN then how the other races votes do not matter. It’s simple arithmetic imposed by the demography.
I see the Malays split almost down the middle – the ones who want to hold on to Umno’s ideology and the ones who can see that Malaysia will be better off discarding all the racialism. The fact that they are split allow the other races to be kingmakers in many mixed seats.
So all is not lost. Umno’s continued arrogance and treating the country as if it belongs to them will cause them to lose many more moderate (esp. urban) Malays. Better education has opened their eyes.
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Dec 13, 2009 @ 18:30:27
A True Malaysian,
I’m not putting all our Malay comrades into the same basket. You, and many others such as RPK and so on, is probably not far from the truth that almost half of the Malays are split down the middle.
While this half “thinking” Malays may cast their votes against the BN government, there are still a huge segment among this “thinking” half, who are not ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the “rest”.
308 has already instilled a sense of “Yes! We can do it!” among Malaysians. It is now for the Malay leaders, the Malay thinkers, the Malay scholars, the Malay activists to intensify their political gains by becoming more vocal and to reach out to the rural Malays that it is no longer economically, socially, and politically correct to demand for special rights and privileges.
Right now, we do not see any Malay political leader leading the charge with an outright “We reject Ketuan Melayu”. True, many Malays are beginning to frown on this racist and unproductive policy, and day by day, year by year, they are beginning to see the economic and social destruction that this policies have caused.
While we continue to fight for equality for all through the ballot box, we can only hope and pray that these small steps that the Malays are taking will eventually lead them to take the “big leap” and change the Federal Constitution
No doubt the Malays will one day wake up to this false illusion and come to terms with reality. Whether they will wake up in 3 years or in 30 years is up to them. It is their choice.
I hope more and more Malays will join me, and you, to usher in new Malaysia in 3 years time.
Warmest regards.
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Dec 13, 2009 @ 21:24:10
I see the big talker Gerakan K is quiet in this blog…when faced with UMNO, all lapdogs be it Gerakan, MCA or MIC will just keep quiet. Funny all the balls shrivel at this time.
However against DAP’s 2 Lims, shouting from dusk til dawn, so much energy! Now the people can see what Gerakan is left with…a pity, Tun Lim left the party in Penang to a bunch of ‘no lampha’ wimps.
ex-Xaverian.
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Dec 13, 2009 @ 23:53:04
StraightTalking,
I am optimistic all right thinking Malaysians will go for plan B. All we must continue to do are to build up trust among rakyat of all races and religions by regarding ourselves as ONE PEOPLE, i.e. TRUE MALAYSIAN.
More and more Malaysians began to realise Ketuanan Melayu is an illusion created by Umno to indoctrinate our minds through their machinery and BTN, which began to back-fire on Umno and its goons.
We realise that Ketuanan Rakyat should be the way to go to ensure bright future of our country.
Note : even Nazri is against Ketuanan Melayu now. Can you imagine that days before? Anyway, let’s beware of ….. talk is cheap.
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Dec 16, 2009 @ 15:56:46
There is no such thing as KETUANAN MELAYU BUT there is hak istimewa org melayu as stated in the Article 153 in the Malaysian constitution.
Until, 153 is amended or deleted etc, questioning of these rights I believe can be constituted as act of treachery to the country. Remember Rukunegara No 3 KELUHURAN PERLEMBAGAAN?
Anyway, when u talk about equality, please be equal yourself..don’t be such a hypocrite and socalled self-righteous chanting equality when all you really want to do is robbing some rights from some people..
and about racism and racist, my opinion is that “A PERSON WHO CALL OTHERS RACIST, IS A TRUE RACIST HIM?HERSELVES”
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Dec 17, 2009 @ 10:56:13
This “justmy2SEN” fellow wants to pontificate about racism when he/she used the word “chingkie” to describe fellow Malaysians of Chinese descent in a recent posting on the Ktemoc Konsiders blog !
Same stuff on the rabidly racist blog of Rusdi Mustapha a.k.a Pasquale in his blog “Barking Magpie”. Rabidly racist while accusing others of racism because he wants to defend his Ketuanan Melayu ideology and his “rights”.
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Dec 17, 2009 @ 11:15:57
Dear “A True Malaysian 9:52 am”
I have proposed to the politicians of certain PR political parties that they seriously consider
placing the following in their Manifesto for the next General Election:
To make it easier for ex-Malaysians to apply for Malaysian Permanent Residency and to regain their Malaysian citizenship (i.e. Malaysia under a PR govt will recognise dual citizenship).
As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, the Tamil Tigers (regretably, a terrorist organisation) became so powerful because of the strong political and financial support they received from Tamils living outside Sri Lanka.
Similarly, the PR should mobilise the political and financial support of Overseas Malaysians and ex-Malaysians to get rid of the current regime that is misruling and even ruining our country.
I’m one of those overseas Malaysians who returned after many years of education and work overseas. With a regime change, many more will return. If just 100,000 of the estimated 1 million overseas Malaysians and ex-Malaysians return, our country will benefit greatly from all their human capital!
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